Peace and Joy

 “May the God of hope fill you with all

joy and peace 

as you trust in him, so that you 

may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

“Let me fill you with My Joy and Peace.  They flow into you as you sit quietly in My Presence, trusting in the depths of your being.  These blessings are essential for nourishing your soul.  The Joy of the Lord is your strength, so don’t neglect this delightful gift.  It is for all times and circumstances, though sometimes you have to search for it.  You also need MyPeace at all times, and I bestow it on you freely as you trust in me.”

~ Jesus Today by Sarah Young

JOY

 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you

and that your joy may be complete.”

John 15:11

“When things are going well, we feel elated.  When hardships come, we sink into depression.  But true joy transcends the rolling waves of circumstance.  Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into weakening lows and will manage deceptive highs.  The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily will keep us levelheaded, no matter how high or low our circumstances.”

~ Life Application Study Bible

Living in God’s Presence

“Rejoice in the Lord always...Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request

to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all

understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7

https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2017/12/how-to-and-why-you-should-live-in-gods-presence-an-interview-with-ken-boa/amp/

How Great Is Our God

“The heavens declare the Glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Psalms 19:1

Theme of Psalm 19:

Both God’s creation and his word

reveal his greatness.

 

“As God reveals himself through nature, we learn about his power and our finiteness.  As God reveals himself through daily experiences, we learn about his forgiveness and salvation.  We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God’s craftsmanship  - the heavens give dramatic evidence, his power, his love, his care.  To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd, it’s design, intricacy, and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator.  As you look at God’s handiwork in nature and the heavens, thank him for such magnificent beauty and the truth it reveals about the Creator.”

~ Life Application Study Bible

The Lord Is Close

 “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves

those who are crushed in spirit.”

“We often wish we could escape troubles - the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, and failure; or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down.  God promises to be “close to the broken hearted,” to be the source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping us through our problems.  Sometimes he chooses to deliver us through those problems.  When trouble strikes, don’t get frustrated with God.  Instead, admit that you need God’s help and thank him for being on your side.”

~ Life Application Study Bible

The Secret

 “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

Psalm 5:3

“The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to him earnestly each morning.  In the morning, our minds are more free from problems, and then we can commit to the whole day to God.  Regular communication helps any friendship and is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God.  We need to communicate with him daily.  Having a regular time to pray and read God’s word “makes for a great day.”

~ Life Application Study Bible

God’s Children

 “Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offsprings a reward from him.”

Psalm 127:3

Theme of Psalm 127

“Life without God is senseless.  All of  life’s work - building

a home, establishing a career, raising a family -

must have God as a foundation.”

“Too often children are seen as liabilities than assets.  But the Bible calls children “a heritage from the Lord,” a reward.  We can learn valuable lessons from their inquisitive minds and trusting spirits.  Those who view children as a distraction or nuisance should instead see them as an opportunity to shape the future.  We dare not treat children as an inconvenience when God values them so highly.”

~ Life Application Study Bible 

God Is Our Refuge

“The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.”

Psalm 121:7-8

Reasons to Read Psalms

To find comfort

To meet God intimately 

To learn a new prayer

To learn a new song

To learn more about God

To understand yourself more clearly

To know how to come to God each day

To be forgiven for your sins

To feel worthwhile

To understand why you should read the Bible

To give praise to God

To know God is in control

To give thanks to God

“Cast your cares to the Lord and he will take care of you.”

Psalm 55:22

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1

~ Life Application Study Bible